This study will investigate the relationships between subjective cognitive complaints, neurocognitive deficits, and work productivity in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), before and after 8 weeks of treatment with an antidepressant medication. Our hypothesis is that, in working participants with MDD of at least moderate severity, neurocognitive deficits will predict poorer work functioning and productivity.

work productivity as determined by rating scales [ Time Frame: change from baseline to 8 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Work functioning (attendance and productivity) is assessed using subjective and objective measures, both at baseline and after 8 weeks of standard medical care involving antidepressant medication (flexibly-dosed desvenlafaxine)

Serious illness that is not stabilized, including cardiac, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrinologic, neurologic, or hematologic disease

Regular/current use of other psychotropic drugs and/or herbaceuticals

Use of fluoxetine within 5 weeks of Visit 1, monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days of Visit 1, and other antidepressants within 7 days of Visit 1 (all to ensure adequate drug washouts prior to neurocognitive assessment)

Previous treatment with desvenlafaxine

Treatment-resistance in the current episode, as defined by failure (i.e., lack of clinically significant response) of 2 or more antidepressants given at therapeutic doses for at least 6 weeks

Any history of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy

Initiation of formal psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy) with 2 months of Visit 1, or plans to start such psychotherapy during this study

Current use of any other form of treatment for depression

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01468610